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Thankful for What He's Done! - Encouragement Café - November 16, 2016

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1

Panic washed over me and before I knew it, I couldn't eat. Somehow what seemed normal for everyone else became impossible for me and I was paralyzed with fear.

For some reason, whenever I was out in a restaurant or in a new situation with someone and I needed to eat a meal, I simply couldn't. Dating was definitely out of the question!

Most church events, social activities on my college campus and certainly going on a date revolved around food and the thought of eating in a crowd caused tremendous anxiety for me. Maybe I thought I'd be judged for how much I was eating or by my table manners, but whatever the reason, I panicked when I needed to eat in public.

For years I asked the Lord to help me, but there seemed to be no healing for me. I saw my friends happily and normally go dining and dating and I sat and stewed with my affliction.

Then my husband entered the picture. He has a sweet way about him, gentle eyes and a deep understanding of people. Sometimes we sat and talked and other times he would suggest we get a snack.

It didn't occur to me to be afraid to eat with him! The Lord used him to show me how deeply loved I am.

Before I knew it I was focusing on a friendship instead of food and peace replaced panic. It was absolutely not easy, but Jesus showed me that my issue was something that He could heal and use for His glory.

After all my worrying and fretting it occurred to me that I needed to thank the Lord for delivering me from my panic and anxiety. It was something that kept me from being social and that's not who I am.

But, I was many months out from being healed before I realized I really needed to tell Jesus how much I appreciated what He did for me. What a blessing to be free from that panic and how tremendously peaceful I felt as I trusted Him for continued healing.

He has done, and will continue to do so much for us.

How can you thank Him and trust Him today?

When we face a trial it's so easy to get focused on where we are and forget where He has us going. Trust in Jesus is so critical as we grow in Him and that helps us build our secure foundation to love and honor Him.

As you think about your problems today remember to also thank Him for knowing the solution and going before you to solve them. When we have a thankful heart, peace and praise flow from us to glorify Him.

Precious Heavenly Father, thank you for all you have done for me! I have faced many, many trials and moments of being at the end of myself and You are always there to rescue and redeem. Thank you for knowing just what I need and for going before me and making the path clear even when I can't see. Please help me to be a light to others who are struggling so that You will be glorified and that Your Name will be praised. Thank you Jesus! For it is in your name we pray, Amen!

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